They've been together for about two decades, but now the ladies from South Africa’s most successful female pop group are calling it quits.
When Jamali came second to Ghetto Lingo on the Coca-Cola Popstars reality TV competition in 2003, nobody expected them to rocket to fame the way they did, even outshining the winners.
Now 36 years old, Jacqui Carpede, Mariechan Luiters, and Liesl Penniken say they are ready to cut the strings and go solo.
The Daily Voice spoke exclusively to the trio at the Idols theatre auditions in Joburg last week, where Mariechan and Liesl are vocal coaches.
Jamali is a household name, with the group’s name made up from the first two letters of their names.
Over the years, the vocal powerhouses have scooped many accolades, including being nominated for three SAMA awards and winning a SAMA for Best South African Pop act in 2009.
This is not the first time the group is splitting up, but they do think it will be the last.
Mariechan says they also broke up in 2004 to “pursue solo endeavours after the demand for pop music slowed down”.
But the demand for their music didn’t slow down, and they reunited the next year.
Their last official gig together was in March at the K-Day music festival.
Mariechan says the break-up is bittersweet but needed at this stage of their lives.
BITTERSWEET: Jamali’s last official gig was at the K-Day music festival. Photo: Supplied.
“We formed a sisterhood bond and worked really hard to become a household name,” she says.
“We represented hope and perseverance despite the odds against us as female artists in a male-dominated industry.
“What I’ll miss the most is performing with my sisters on stage, but I’m excited for my own journey and ready to fly on my own.”
She adds: “It’s been one hell of a ride. The blood, sweat and tears were worth it.
“We went from winning awards, travelling abroad, performing on big stages to meeting and performing for Madiba and Oprah!”
Liesl says every moment of stress was worth it: “Passion and dedication kept us going throughout all these years. We’ve been together for 16 years with four albums down the line, we now just felt like it was time to branch out individually.”
Jacqui is currently recording an album and is also producing a stage show called Do Not Disturb, which will be touring major cities in South Africa.
“The break-up was sad, but I’m also excited to be doing my own thing in my own way.
“The Jamali journey was a divine one, we were blessed to have an opportunity to be pioneers as the biggest selling all-female group, a SAMA award-winning pop group which represented a community that felt marginalised, we symbolised hope and were proof that our humble beginnings are not obstacles but assets,” she says proudly.
None of the ladies are married, while Jacqui and Mariechan both have teenage sons.
venecia.america@inl.co.za